Wireless over PON

Abstract

A system for communicating wireless signals includes a passive optical network (PON) between a central office (CO) and network subscribers. The CO has an optical line terminal (OLT) and a wireless base station. An RF / Optic converter converts base station radio frequency (RF) signals to and from corresponding optical signals. An optical combiner combines signals of the OLT and signals of the RF / Optic converter for communication over the PON with at least one optical network unit (ONU) at a location of one or more of the network subscribers, so that signals of the OLT and converted wireless base station signals are carried together over the PON. A fiber mounted wireless antenna unit (FMCA) having an optical interface and a wireless antenna, and communicating wireless signals of the wireless antenna with the ONU, including performing conversions between wireless RF signals and optical signals.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a Passive Optical Network (PON) used to deliver native wireless signals into buildings, where a small Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) is used to transmit and receive the signals to and from the wireless devices.BACKGROUND[0002]One of the major challenges of wireless networks, such as cellular networks, is in-building coverage. Wireless antennas are typically located outside buildings, while in many cases the users are located inside the buildings. As a result, the wireless signals have to penetrate the walls of the buildings. While penetrating the walls, the signal is attenuated, causing degradation of the communication quality.[0003]This challenge of in-building coverage is well known and there are some methods to address this challenge, mainly repeaters and in-building Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Both methods are typically used for highly populated locations, such as office buildings, public buildings, shopping centers ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The invention addresses the challenge of in-building coverage for residential locations such as private houses and apartment buildings as well as commercial and public buildings. According to the invention, in which a Passive Optical Network (PON) is used to deliver native wireless signals into buildings, where a small Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) is used to transmit and receive the signals to and from the wireless devices, support is provided for multiple types of wireless technologies such as cellular technologies (i.e. GSM900, GSM1800, PCS, UMTS, CDMA, iDEN etc.), wireless LAN technologies (e.g. WiFi), WiMAX and other OFDM / OFDMA technologies.1.

Problems solved by technology

One of the major challenges of wireless networks, such as cellular networks, is in-building coverage.

As a result, the wireless signals have to penetrate the walls of the buildings.

While penetrating the walls, the signal is attenuated, causing degradation of the communication quality.

There is a need for improved in-building coverage for wireless communications such as cell phones, but no prior solution has effectively taken advantage of the possibilities of employing the PON architecture in this regard.

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